Champions League: CFR Cluj v Manchester United match preview

A look ahead to this tonight’s Champions League fixture at the Dr Constantin Radulescu Stadium

Michael Carrick scored the only goal of the game against Galatasaray (GETTY IMAGES)

Manchester United will be hoping to continue their winning start in the Champions League with a second straight victory against CFR Cluj.

Sir Alex Ferguson’s side managed to beat Galatasaray in their first game, although the lacklustre performance was unconvincing. A Michael Carrick goal separated the sides as United held on for a 1-0 result to sit second in their group behind Cluj on goal difference.

Romanian champions Cluj pulled off a surprise result against Portuguese side Braga in matchday one. Rafael Bastos, formerly of Braga, scored a brace against his old team as Cluj earned their way to top of Group H. This is Cluj’s second season in the Champions League – their first time coming in the 08/09 season. They managed a couple of shocks last time as they beat Italian giants Roma and earned a draw against Chelsea.

The Transylvanian side warmed up for their tie with United by thrashing Gloria Bistrita 5-1, pushing them up to fifth in their domestic league after an indifferent start to the season. United, on the other hand, fell to their second defeat of the season; losing 2-3 at home to Spurs.

KICK-OFF: Tuesday, 7.45pm

PAST MEETINGS…

This will be the first ever meeting between Manchester United and CFR Cluj

STATS…

Although the two clubs have never faced off before, CFR coach Ioan Andone has taken on United in the past; his Dynamo Bucharest side were beaten by Ferguson's team in the 2004/05 Champions League qualifying round.

Manchester United's only away success in last term's Champions League came in Romania as well, when they won 2-0 at Otelul Galati through two Wayne Rooney penalties.

United are one win away from 100 victories in the Champions League.

CFR have only kept two clean sheets in the last 12 home games.

ODDS…

Cluj to win: 5.25

Man United to win: 1.66

Draw: 3.75

TV: Live on ITV1 at 7.45pm, highlights on ITV1 at 10.35pm.